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The TRIBES program at Thoreau was implemented to create a positive, safe climate in which the students can learn appropriate life skills and the basics of group interaction. |
It consists of daily twenty-minute Tribes
activities, which are based on the agreements of: mutual respect, attentive
listening showing appreciation, no put-downs, and the right to pass.
Students are scheduled into multi-age groups consisting of thirteen members and
one adult Tribes leader. Students begin each day be participating in a
Community Circle where they can freely discuss matters of personal concern and
relevance as well as school related issues. This environment allows a
close affinity to peers with whom they might not otherwise know. Tribes
also includes time for S.U.R.F. (Silent Uninterrupted Reading For Fun) and
intramural competition between other Tribal groups.
| Tribes has become one of the most successful components of Thoreau. Tribal agreements permeate every aspect of the school day. Students work in cooperative groups and are better able to handle and appreciate the demands of positive group interaction because they have learned to express themselves and their ideas. |  |
This program has effectively bonded a myriad of personalities from every part of our city. It has, without a doubt, provided our students a tool for growth and personal development.
